In the wake of LSU’s electrifying victory at the College World Series, one unexpected figure has captured the hearts—and screens—of fans across the country: a passionate, paint-covered Tigers superfan whose over-the-top celebration went viral and turned them into an overnight sensation.
Meet Jake “Bayou Jack” Thompson, a 21-year-old junior at Louisiana State University and die-hard baseball enthusiast. While the LSU Tigers’ triumph over their SEC rivals drew headlines on the field, it was Thompson’s explosive celebration in the stands—complete with face paint, a purple-and-gold feather boa, and unfiltered enthusiasm—that lit up social media and national broadcasts.
The now-iconic moment occurred during the final game of the series, when LSU clinched the title with a dramatic 5-2 win. Cameras caught Thompson leaping from his seat, waving a massive LSU flag, and screaming in sheer ecstasy as confetti rained down. With each replay, his face—paint smeared and voice hoarse—became the embodiment of Tiger pride. Within hours, clips of “the LSU guy going absolutely nuts” were trending on TikTok, Instagram, and ESPN’s highlight reels.
“It was insane,” Thompson recalled in an interview with local news. “I woke up the next day with like 10,000 new followers, my phone blowing up, and my mom asking why people are calling me ‘Bayou Jack’ online.”
The nickname—gifted to him by a commentator during the game’s post-show—quickly stuck. “He looks like someone straight out of a swamp party in Baton Rouge,” joked the analyst, sparking memes and fan edits that spread like wildfire. Now, everywhere he goes around campus or in local bars, Thompson is greeted with high-fives, selfies, and chants of “Bayou Jack!”
But Thompson insists he wasn’t trying to become famous. “Honestly, I was just there to support my boys. LSU baseball means everything to me. I’ve been going to games since I could walk. That night? That was pure emotion. I didn’t even realize the cameras were on me.”
His spontaneous enthusiasm has become symbolic of LSU’s passionate fanbase, known for traveling in droves and turning ballparks into mini Baton Rouges. From tailgates to post-game celebrations, Thompson’s viral fame reflects something deeper: a community’s pride and loyalty that stretches far beyond the diamond.
The LSU Tigers’ journey to the championship was no easy feat. After battling through a tough bracket and thrilling extra-inning games, the team pulled together with grit, unity, and standout performances from players like pitcher Cade Landry and slugger Mason Broussard. But it’s fans like Thompson who amplify those moments and breathe life into the team spirit.
Now that he’s become a symbol of that spirit, Thompson is leaning into the spotlight—but in his own way. He’s launched a new Instagram account, @RealBayouJack, dedicated to LSU sports content and student life. He’s been invited to local radio shows and podcasts and even scored a NIL-style endorsement deal with a Baton Rouge BBQ joint. The deal includes free ribs for a year and a co-branded T-shirt with the phrase: “Bayou Jack Approved.”
Still, Thompson keeps it humble. “Look, I’m still just a student. I’ve got econ class on Mondays, I wait tables on weekends, and I still cry a little inside when LSU loses a regular season football game. But if people enjoy what I did and it brings some joy, then I’m here for it.”
His rise to internet fame also shines a spotlight on how college sports fans are becoming more central to the entertainment value of the games themselves. In the age of social media, where viral clips can define cultural moments, it’s not just the athletes making headlines—but the die-hards in the stands who bring the atmosphere to life.
“Bayou Jack is the ultimate hype man,” said LSU head coach Jay Johnson when asked about Thompson’s moment. “Our guys feed off the energy. It’s people like him who make Alex Box Stadium the wildest place to play in college baseball.”
Thompson’s influence has already started to extend beyond LSU. Fans from other schools have reached out to share their own stories and photos, showing off their game-day gear and tagging him in celebration videos. “It’s become this awesome community thing,” Thompson said. “Even fans from rival schools are like, ‘Respect, man. You really brought the heat.’”
As LSU basks in its College World Series glory, Thompson is already looking ahead. He plans to travel with the team next season whenever possible and wants to use his platform to support student-athlete mental health initiatives.
“I’ve seen how much pressure these athletes are under, and I’ve got this platform now—so why not use it for something good?” he explained. “If I can be loud and goofy for the cameras, I can also be loud for a cause.”
For now, though, Thompson is enjoying the moment. His viral fame may have been accidental, but his passion for LSU is very much the real deal. Whether it’s baseball, football, or volleyball, he’s ready to cheer—painted face and all.
And as LSU fans say down in the Bayou: Geaux Tigers!
